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When I Grow Up



"When I grow up…I want to be Miss Ohio."

This was my first sentence for a writing assignment in 3rd grade.  You see my teacher, Miss Hooker, was in her first year of teaching because she placed third for Miss Ohio. At least that’s what I thought. I figured that I could win and that would be my career. I had a year of piano under my belt, I loved wearing dresses that twirled, I could walk in a straight line, smiling and waving were no-brainers, and I loved answering questions. How hard could it be?

Turns out, making a career out of being Miss Ohio isn’t a thing. I was crushed to learn this fact when I received my paper back with Miss Hooker’s note of being flattered that I wanted to follow in her footsteps, but suggested that I look for something more long term.

If I were honest, even if Miss Ohio could be a career, I’m not exactly the most qualified. I stopped playing the piano years ago, I am no longer a fan of wearing dresses, I’m lucky if I don’t trip or knock something over when I walk, and while I can answer questions better than Miss South Carolina I’ve found that I usually answer someone’s question with another question. At least I still have smiling and waving down.

After going to a photography camp in Yellow Springs in 6th grade, I found myself really drawn to photography as a potential career. At the camp developing our own film was part of the experience and I was convinced our basement at home would make the perfect dark room space. Instead of a dark room, I received a Polaroid camera for my birthday – instant development!

The idea of capturing a moment, working to tell a story, expressing myself creatively, seeing things in a different way, and connecting to the world around me in a unique way really appealed to me.

While photography wasn’t a career that I ended up pursuing, I still find myself drawn to this creative outlet, have worked to incorporate it into the practice of ministry, and see it as a contemplative practice that helps me to be aware of holy moments in the everyday.

So finding out about the Lent Photo-a-Day Challenge through The United Methodist Church’s Rethink Church initiative got my attention. The photo-a-day challenge is offered during Advent and Lent and this is my second challenge that I’ve taken on. Each day a word is given as a “photography prompt” that works to bring introspection and reflection during the Lent season. Using the “magic” of social media (check out #rethinkchurch on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) you see how others experience and interpret what the word means to them. I think that’s one of my favorite parts about this project – being able to connect with others’ story.


I invite you to take part and engage in the photo challenge on Faith Community’s Facebook page! There is a group of people who are already sharing photos. You can post a photo daily or when you find inspiration. You don’t have to be a great photographer (I’m certainly not). This project has challenged me to pay more attention and be intentional, helped to see how simple words can reflect God and the Lent season, and allowed me to connect with others in a unique way.  
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